‘This is no longer my battle to fight’: Knightstown police chief resigns

KNIGHTSTOWN, Ind. — Knightstown Police Chief Frank Beatrice resigned this week, saying that he does not see any “benefit” to his continued employment with the department.

In a resignation letter obtained by FOX59/CBS4 Friday night, Beatrice said he would “stand firm” with his reasons for leaving the position.

“I no longer see any benefit to my continued employment with the Town of Knightstown and the unnecessary added stress that has come with it is tiring,” Beatrice said in the letter. “I will assist the new Town Marshal if you wish, with accessing computers, vaults, safes, necessary websites, the body camera system and any other systems or passwords the new marshal will need to operate effectively.”

Beatrice also requested that the town council comply with the town’s Personnel Policy and pay him 322.75 hours of bank time and 120 hours of vacation time worth $14,300.83.

While he didn’t provide specific examples, Beatrice said he was proud of the work he had done to serve the Knightstown community for the last five years.

“As I leave this season of my life, I will hold my head high and stand firm with my stance about
the reasons I am leaving. I have poured my heart and soul into this town the last five years, but
this is no longer my battle to fight. I have grown to love this community and the people in it and
I still plan to be an active participant in the community as my family has invested much time and
resources here.”

Beatrice indicated that he would work until Feb. 25, the last day of this current pay period.

This has fuelled concerns among community members as Beatrice’s resignation will leave the town’s police department with only three full-time officers.

FOX59/CBS4 has reached out to Roger Hammer, president of the Knightstown Town Council, for more information.